Green Bay Packers sign former Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker

The football world was surprised when Jaylon Smith was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week. Quickly, he’s found a new home — the Green Bay Packers.

“Former Cowboys’ LB Jaylon Smith officially reached agreement this morning on a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers, per sources,” tweeted ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Smith’s agent @DHendrickson41 of @Wasserman confirmed the agreement to ESPN.”

Yesterday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicated that Green Bay was Smith’s preferred destination. Now, the Packers have gotten a deal done for the former Cowboys linebacker.

The Packers have been in the market for defensive help, and it was reported they would make a play for defensive back Stephon Gilmore. However, the Carolina Panther swooped in and traded for Gilmore yesterday.

Previously, the Packers showed interest in Smith, but they ramped it up once Gilmore was off the market.

Back in 2014, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spent a year as the quarterbacks coach at Notre Dame. At the same time, the Fighting Irish had a burgeoning star at linebacker in Smith.

Evidently, Smith made an impression on LaFleur. Now, the duo is reunited in Green Bay.

Why was Smith released?

The Cowboys decision to release Jaylon Smith came after failed attempts to secure a trade for the former Pro Bowler. NFL Network’s Jane Slater confirmed the reason for his release was the Cowboys felt their depth at linebacker and the improved play of younger players made Smith expendable.

Had the Cowboys kept Smith and continued to use him, an injury would force the Cowboys to pay his injury guarantee money. By releasing him now and eating the dead cap hit, they avoid that potential outcome.

Smith’s contract still had five years and $50.75 million left on his deal. By releasing Smith, the Cowboys gained $16.6 million in dead cap spending.

In the current 2021 season, this amount is $9.8 million, $7.2 million of which is cash. In 2022 the dead cap hit will be $6.8 million.

The move will save the Cowboys nothing in this season. However, it does free up about $5 million in cap space for the 2022 season.

The move by Dallas was surprising given the nature of Smith’s contract and how successful the Cowboys have been through the first four weeks of the season. Smith’s role in the defense has been reduced this season, but he has played over 75 percent of snaps for the Cowboys in two games. In week 2, Smith contributed nine total tackles, including six solo.

As Smith was entering his fifth year in the NFL, he was eligible to sign with another team immediately and did not need to go through the waiver wire.